The Detroit Wheels were charter members of the World Football League in 1974 but played in only 14 games of the 20 game schedule before folding. Things became so dire toward the end, a home game against the Portland Storm was relocated to London, Ontario. The Wheels 33-person ownership group included singer Marvin Gaye and Little Caesar's founder Mike Ilitch. The team played its home games at Rynearson Stadium on the campus of Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.